Giving Grace With Alexandra Hansen

Romanticizing your life is everywhere right now—slow mornings, aesthetic routines, finding beauty in the little things…But what happens when chasing a feeling starts to disconnect you from real life?In this episode, we’re talking about the difference between appreciation and illusion, and how to romanticize your life in a way that’s actually healthy, grounded, and fulfilling. Because not every moment is aesthetic—and your life doesn’t have to look perfect to be meaningful.This is your reminder that you don’t need a different life to feel fulfilled… you might just need a different lens.

Ever find yourself in a season where life is finally calm… but instead of feeling fulfilled, you feel bored?In this episode, we’re talking about why peace can feel unfamiliar—and even uncomfortable—when you’re used to chaos. From toxic patterns to emotional highs, we unpack how culture has trained us to crave intensity over stability, and why that can lead us to self-sabotage the very peace we prayed for.If you’ve ever questioned a healthy relationship, a quiet season, or felt like something was “missing” when everything was actually right—this episode is for you.Maybe you’re not bored… maybe you’re finally safe.

Why do we feel the need to apologize for our homes?In this episode, we’re unpacking the quiet shame so many of us carry about having a messy house—and the deeper identity struggle underneath it. Somewhere along the way, we started believing that a clean home equals being “put together”… and a messy one means we’re falling short.But is that actually biblical?Through the story of Mary and Martha, and scriptures on hospitality, contentment, and approval, we’re shifting the focus from perfection to presence. Because God never asked you to impress people—He asked you to love them.If you’ve ever panic-cleaned before guests came over, felt embarrassed by your space, or tied your worth to how your home looks… this episode will set you free.Your home doesn’t have to be spotless to be sacred.

They said they'd change...but they didn't. Why do some people apologize, promise things will be different, and still repeat the same behaviors?In this episode we explore the biblical difference between regret and real repentance, the deceptive nature of the human heart and why Scripture says true change always produces fruit.

Lies often seem small in the moment - but their impact on relationships, trust, and faith is anything but small. In this episode Alexandra explores what Scripture says about lying, why people fall into patters of deception, and how truth is the only path to real freedom and restored relationships.

Why did Jesus perform miracles everywhere — except where there was no faith?In this episode, we unpack the tension between God’s sovereignty and human freedom. Does faith control God? Does unbelief block miracles? Or is it about posture, openness, and consent?We explore the difference between doubt and hardened unbelief, how familiarity dulls expectancy, and what it really means that God “knocks” — but doesn’t force.This isn’t about shame.It’s about asking: Am I open?

How often do you say “I’m sorry” when you’ve done nothing wrong?In this episode, we talk about over-apologizing, shrinking to fit other people’s comfort, and how diluting your words diminishes their meaning.There’s a difference between humility and self-erasure. When “I’m sorry” becomes automatic, it loses its power.Mean what you say.Say what you mean.And stop apologizing for taking up space.

Have you ever celebrated someone publicly but struggled privately?Jealousy is one of the most common - and least confessed - struggles in the Christian life. In this episode, we will take a look at what Scripture teaches about jealousy, why it takes root, and how we can respond in a way that honors God. If comparison has been stealing your peace, this episode will help you shift your focus back to gratitude, identity in Christ, and trust in God's goodness.

This episode unpacks the difference between surrendered prayer and spiritual confirmation-seeking. If you've ever prayed for direction but struggled to release control, this conversation will help you examine how you pray, what you expect from God, and what true surrender really looks like.

We’ve all said it—or heard it: “It’s not that deep.”It’s just a song. Just a show. Just a joke. Just a friendship.But what if the things we brush off as harmless are actually shaping us more than we realize?In this episode, we unpack why discernment matters in a culture that constantly tells us to relax, numb out, and stop thinking so much. We’ll talk about the subtle influence of music, entertainment, friendships, and the organizations we align ourselves with—and how those things quietly form our values, beliefs, and spiritual sensitivity.This isn’t about legalism or fear. It’s about awareness. About guarding your heart, renewing your mind, and being intentional with what you allow to shape you.Because formation rarely happens in one big moment—it happens in the small things we keep saying “aren’t that deep.”And the truth is… they are.

We love the idea of being known by God - but resist the process of being exposed by Him. This episode explores why self-examination is uncomfortable, why we avoid it, and how true spiritual growth requires radical honesty before God.

Many of us don’t struggle with faith—we struggle with stillness. In this episode, we explore how devotion can quietly turn into performance and why rest often feels harder than obedience. If you’ve ever felt exhausted, guilty for slowing down, or unsure who you are when you’re not producing, this conversation is for you. God isn’t asking for your hustle—He’s inviting you into His presence.

In this episode, Janie and Alexandra sit down to reflect on the lessons 2025 taught them—lessons they didn’t choose, but deeply needed. They talk about humility, learning to be still with God, and what obedience looked like in real life, not just in theory. This is an honest conversation about growth, surrender, and trusting God through seasons that stretched them.

How much of your life is shaped by other people’s opinions?In this episode, we explore why caring what people think runs so deep, how people-pleasing quietly pulls us out of obedience, and what it looks like to live anchored in God’s truth instead of approval. Through Scripture and reflection, this episode invites you to stop shrinking, release the fear of judgment, and step into the freedom that comes from knowing who you are in Christ.

Broken families are biblical… but let’s be clear—they were never God’s original design.In this episode, Alexandra pops off on a topic she’s deeply passionate about—accountability. Janie offers steady, biblical support and keeps things from turning into a full-blown rant.From absent parents and hidden children to the awkward reality of DNA tests exposing surprise siblings, they're talking about the stuff people would rather pretend doesn’t exist. Together, they tackle the uncomfortable truth: pretending you don’t have children doesn’t make them disappear—it just makes therapy more expensive later.This episode is gritty, biblical, and unapologetically honest, with just enough humor to keep it from feeling like a family intervention. If you’ve ever wondered how broken families became so normalized—and whether we can do better as a generation—this conversation is for you. Can our generation finally choose truth and responsibility over secrecy?Fair warning: this episode might step on toes… but healing usually does.

The Christmas story is one of the most familiar passages in Scripture—so familiar that it’s easy to overlook the deep, life-changing truths woven into it. In this episode, Alexandra and Janie break down the hidden lessons inside the Nativity, revealing what Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and even the stable itself teach us about faith, surrender, obedience, courage, and God’s unexpected ways. If you’ve ever wished for a fresh, heart-stirring look at the Christmas story, this episode will bring it back to life in a powerful way.

Discipline doesn’t have to mean pressure or perfection. In this episode, Alexandra and Janie reframe discipline through a biblical lens—showing how it’s rooted in love, grace, and intentional growth. With Scripture-based encouragement and practical wisdom, this conversation explores how discipline shapes who we become, even when motivation fades. A gentle reminder that faithfulness, not perfection, leads to lasting peace.

In this cozy, wisdom-packed episode, Janie shares ten powerful nuggets from Johnny Ardivantis’ Consider the Lilies—a book that invites us to slow down, breathe deep, and trust God’s gentle provision. Together, we unpack practical takeaways on worry, faith, identity, rest, and learning to see God’s fingerprints in the small and simple things. If your soul needs a reminder to stop striving and start trusting, this episode will feel like a warm hug from the Holy Spirit.

In this episode, Janie and Alexandra talk about why life groups and Bible study groups are essential for real spiritual growth and support. After sharing their own experiences with community, Janie asks Alexandra four powerful questions from a Craig Groeschel sermon—questions that spark honest reflection, deeper faith, and practical next steps in your walk with God.

The holiday season was never meant to be chaotic, draining, or overwhelming—yet for so many of us, that’s exactly how it feels. Between family expectations, financial pressure, social events, traditions, and the desire to “make everything perfect,” we can completely miss the quiet beauty of what this season is truly about.In this episode, we talk about how to simplify the holidays, protect your peace, and return to the true reason for the season: Jesus. Through scripture, encouragement, and practical steps, we invite you into a slower, more intentional, Christ-centered holiday.

Family fractures run deep—but God’s grace runs deeper. In this heartfelt episode, Alexandra, Janie, and guest Angie English open up about estranged parent–child relationships from every side: a daughter who left, a mother who was left, and a family that stayed rooted in faith. Together they explore how healing, forgiveness, and hope can grow even in silence.

In this episode, Alexandra & Janie unpack the beauty and purpose behind life’s quieter seasons — the ones that don’t look productive on the surface but are deeply sacred beneath. Whether you’re in a waiting period, healing from burnout, or just feeling called to slow down, this conversation explores how God uses rest to renew, realign, and restore.

In this episode, Janie returns from the Unique Women’s Conference in Bismarck, ND, overflowing with golden nuggets of biblical wisdom and encouragement. Alexandra and Janie unpack her biggest takeaways—timeless truths about identity, purpose, and walking boldly in God’s calling as a woman of faith. Whether you missed the conference or simply need a soul-refreshing reminder of who you are in Christ, this episode will leave you uplifted, grounded, and inspired to live uniquely and unapologetically for Him. 

In this episode, Alexandra and Janie sit down with Skyler, a passionate doula serving the Vancouver and Portland areas of the Pacific Northwest, to talk about the beauty of birth when it’s approached with peace, faith, and support. Skyler shares her personal journey into doula work with her business Serenity & Sage, what families can expect when hiring a doula, and how spiritual and emotional preparation can shape the entire birthing experience. Whether you’re expecting, supporting someone through pregnancy, or simply curious about holistic birth support, this conversation is full of wisdom, warmth, and real talk about bringing new life into the world.

In this heartfelt episode, Alexandra and Janie talk with Paige Kuhbacher about the stark difference between her two birth experiences. Her first birth was marked by frist time mom, not knowing what she didn’t know and a lack of intentional preparation.  But her second birth was something entirely different. Surrounded by the steady love of her husband, covered in prayer, and anchored in peace, Paige walked through labor with a surrendered heart and a clear mind. She shares the practical and spiritual shifts that changed everything, offering a powerful reminder that birth can be both sacred and empowering when approached with faith and intentionality.

Have you ever felt closest to God while hiking, being outdoors, or working out? In this episode, Alexandra and Janie explore how nature and movement can become sacred spaces to encounter the Lord. Through Scripture and personal reflection, you’ll be inspired to see the trail, the gym, or even a quiet walk as invitations to draw near to the Creator.

We’ve all heard the phrase “kill them with kindness”—but is that really what God calls us to do? In this episode of Giving Grace, we unpack why this mindset isn’t biblical, what Billy Graham had to say about it, and how Scripture calls us to live differently. God doesn’t ask us to use kindness as a weapon, but to embody it as a fruit of the Spirit—flowing from genuine love, not hidden resentment or subtle revenge. Join me as we uncover the difference between cultural clichés and Christlike compassion.

In this episode, Alexandra and Janie call out the lie that biblical womanhood is oppression. True oppression is chasing the world’s applause and still coming up empty. True freedom is found in obedience to God. From Proverbs 31 to Titus 2, the Bible shows us that homemaking isn’t small—it’s warfare. It’s raising warriors, cultivating peace, and building a Kingdom legacy in a world that’s falling apart.

In this episode, Alexandra and Janie pull apart this parable and challenge you to stop letting fear, excuses, or comfort keep you from stepping up. God didn’t create you to bury your gift in the dirt. He created you to multiply it, to risk, to invest, and to live with bold faith.If you’ve been holding back—this is your line in the sand.

In the wake of a heavy week for our nation, Alexandra turns to Scripture to seek clarity and grounding. Drawing from Ephesians 4:1–8, she reflects on how she has personally misinterpreted the concept of “peace” in the past and how that misunderstanding shaped her responses to conflict. With honesty and humility, she unpacks what true, biblical peace looks like—not avoidance or silence, but a balance of grace and truth. This episode offers encouragement and direction for believers navigating turbulent times, reminding us that our calling is not passive unity but Spirit-led maturity.

If Peter, Paul, or one of the early church believers walked into a modern Sunday service—complete with coffee bars, LED lights, and countdown timers—would they even recognize it as church? In this episode, we wrestle with the gap between the simple, Spirit-led gatherings of the first century and the polished productions of today. Is our way of “doing church” helping people meet Jesus—or have we traded intimacy for entertainment?

What do burgers, brisket, and Bible truths have in common? More than you might think! In this episode of Giving Grace, we take the everyday rhythms of summer backyard BBQs and connect them with the deeper lessons of faith. From learning patience while waiting on the grill to remembering that everyone has a seat at God’s table, we’ll explore how ordinary gatherings can remind us of extraordinary grace.

Sometimes the deepest wounds don’t come from outside the church—they come from within. In this conversation with Angie English, we dive into her raw and personal story of encountering the “Christian Karens” of church culture: the gossip, the judgment, the control, and the sideways looks that can leave lasting scars. Angie opens up about what it felt like to walk through church hurt, how she wrestled with her faith in the process, and the surprising ways God brought healing and redemption out of the pain.If you’ve ever felt bullied, silenced, or shamed by people who claimed to represent Christ, this episode will remind you that God’s love is bigger than human brokenness—and that His church is meant to be a place of grace, not gossip.

In this episode, we sit down with Lyndee Richardson to hear her inspiring journey of leaving a secure teaching career to start Little Leaps of Faith Preschool. Lyndee shares how trusting God’s timing and guidance gave her the courage to step out, take risks, and walk through the doors He opened—while learning to let go of the ones He closed. Her story is one of bold faith, perseverance, and obedience, and a beautiful reminder that when we trust God with our future, He equips us for the calling He’s placed on our hearts.

Ever found yourself wondering if a missed opportunity was God protecting you or the enemy distracting and derailing you? In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into how to spiritually discern whether a closed door is divine redirection or a spiritual attack. With biblical examples and real-life insights, we’ll unpack the tension between patience and perseverance, peace and resistance, and trust and testing. If you’re facing confusion or frustration in this season, this conversation is for you.

What does it look like to build a marriage on Christ from the very beginning—especially in a lifestyle as unpredictable as rodeo? In this episode, we sit down with Laura Elshere to hear how she and her husband are learning to keep Jesus at the center of their first year of marriage. From rodeo life to navigating faith and communication as newlyweds, Lauren shares practical wisdom, honest reflections, and a beautiful reminder that when Christ is the foundation, even a fast-paced life can feel rooted.

A lot of people aren’t walking away from God—they’re walking away from the pain, the judgment, and the hypocrisy they found inside the church walls. In this episode, we hold space for those who have been wounded by religion, not rejected by God. Whether you’ve felt burned by a pastor, isolated by church culture, or just plain exhausted by the performance of it all, this conversation is for you.

What if being “blessed” didn’t mean comfort, success, or popularity? In Matthew 5, Jesus opens His most famous sermon—the Sermon on the Mount—with a radical list of who is truly blessed in the Kingdom of God. Spoiler: it’s not who the world would choose. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the Beatitudes, one by one, and discovering how Jesus flips the script on what it means to live a good, godly life. This is for the spiritually hungry, the grieving, the peacemakers, the persecuted—and anyone longing for a faith that’s deeper than surface-level blessings.

What if being “blessed” didn’t mean comfort, success, or popularity? In Matthew 5, Jesus opens His most famous sermon—the Sermon on the Mount—with a radical list of who is truly blessed in the Kingdom of God. Spoiler: it’s not who the world would choose. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the Beatitudes, one by one, and discovering how Jesus flips the script on what it means to live a good, godly life. This is for the spiritually hungry, the grieving, the peacemakers, the persecuted—and anyone longing for a faith that’s deeper than surface-level blessings. Fair warning, ya girls get to yappin', so this is a two part series.

In this episode, we're diving into what discipleship really means beyond Sunday mornings and Bible studies. Discipleship isn't a program - it's a lifestyle. It's the daily, sometimes gritty, commitment to follow Jesus, be transformed by Him, and help others do the same. We'll talk about what it looks like to be a disciple in today's world, how to grow in your walk with Christ, and why spiritual maturity requires more than convenience-level faith.

We live in a world that glorifies "matching" energy - if they're cold, be colder. If they're distant, disappear. But as followers of Jesus, we're called to reflect His heart, not someone else's dysfunction. In this episode, we'll talk about the toxic trend of mirroring people's energy and why guarding your spirit is more powerful (and more peaceful) than playing emotional chess.

Ever been told you’re too emotional, too loud, too deep, too sensitive, too intense, or too honest? Girl, same. In this episode, Alexandra and Janie get real about what it means to be a woman who feels deeply, dreams boldly, and refuses to shrink just to make other people comfortable.You’ll learn how to stop apologizing for how God wired you—and how to start walking boldly in your calling without editing yourself to stay palatable. You’re not too much. You’re just not for everyone—and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.

If you’ve ever felt responsible for someone else’s healing, happiness, or growth—you’re not alone. But sis, it’s not your job to fix people. In this episode, Alexandra and Janie dive deep into the trap of “savior syndrome,” the subtle ways it shows up (especially in women), and why carrying someone else’s emotional or spiritual weight was never God’s design for you.

Not all glow-ups are glamorous. Some are slow, sacred, and happen in silence.In this episode, Alexandra and Janie unpack what sanctification really is—the messy middle between who you were and who God is making you to be. From grief and pruning to being misunderstood, this is the transformation nobody talks about… but everyone goes through.You’re not behind. You’re becoming.

“Comparison is so dangerous — you could be comparing where God has you to where the devil has them.” In this eye-opening episode, Alexandra unpacks the spiritual weight behind comparison and why it can derail your purpose, distort your peace, and distract you from God’s timing. With biblical truth, real-life reflection, and honest encouragement, you’ll be reminded that not all success is from the Lord — and that the quiet, hidden places might just be where God is doing His deepest work in you.If you’ve ever felt behind, unseen, or tempted to envy someone else’s life, this conversation is for you. It’s time to stop scrolling and start trusting.

What happens when you say “yes” to God and board a plane to serve in a land rich with history and hunger for hope? In this episode, Janie returns from her mission trip to Ireland and shares the raw, beautiful, and powerful ways God moved—not just through her, but in her. From moments of doubt to divine appointments, she unpacks the reality of short-term missions and what it looks like to bring light into spiritually dry places. Whether you’ve been on a mission trip before, are praying about going, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to serve abroad, this conversation will encourage, challenge, and inspire you.

In a culture obsessed with self-expression, revenge lyrics, and reclaiming personal power, the “Taylor Swift Era” has become a defining anthem for modern womanhood. But what happens when we hold it up to the light of Scripture? In this episode, we dive into a powerful contrast between the cultural blueprint of femininity and the biblical example set by Queen Esther. While one promotes self as savior, the other points to surrender, courage, and divine timing. Join us as we unpack what it looks like to trade self-promotion for kingdom purpose, and how to walk in grace, strength, and holy influence in an age that celebrates the opposite.

When does yapping with friends go from godly to gossip? Let’s talk about the fine line between sharing and stirring the pot. In this episode, we’re calling out casual gossip, Christian “prayer requests,” and everything in between. If your group texts aren’t passing the Holy Spirit vibe check—this one’s for you.

If you check your phone before you check in with God… this one’s for you. We’re talking tech, screen time, and why your phone might be your sneakiest idol. No guilt—just real talk, biblical truth, and a digital heart check you didn’t know you needed.

Ever feel a little awkward cracking open your Bible in public? Same, girl. But here’s the thing: your faith was never meant to stay hidden. Today we’re chatting about what it’s really like to read the Bible in everyday places — coffee shops, parks, wherever God leads. No pressure, no perfection — just honest conversation about living boldly and letting Scripture do what it does best: shine. So cozy up, grab your favorite Bible, and let’s talk about being a little braver with our faith in the wild.